happyaussie

Mate I've owned 2 Fortuners in Thailand over the past 4 years and rented a CRV on a trip to Chang Mai not long ago.

Fortuner I've always liked and they've dated well. Toyota must be laughing. My issue is that these vehicles are really starting to date. Especially their interiors and dynamics. Toyota will only get away with their cosmetic changes for so long. Interiors have hardly changed in at least 5 years.

CRV I seriously considered one last year, but heard they were very thirsty. I also found them a little crampt. There's a new model around the corner and it looks nice.

I'd also suggest looking at other alternatives. I never thought I'd say this, but the latest Chevrolet also get's a good rap. Another good Aussie design.

Happy motoring

I live near Loei and theirs nothing to see there. Some nice countryside in the vicinity.

What your girlfriend wants is the same dream for all Thai girls, especially from Isaan.

I would suggest that what's equally important is the strength of your relationship.

I live 20km from Loei and love it. Not in a village or rice farm, but in a jungle setting with my wife and kids. She has family close by, but not in our laps. It works really well.

I don't get bored but there are challenges. Mainly interlectual. Conversing in pigeon English gets rather tiring. I miss not having a pub or bar near by and to chat to other English speakers on occasion would be great TESCO opened a few months ago and that's been a god send.

In a nutshell you need to be the right type of person to enjoy Thai country life. Living in a dusty village with dogs barking and the inevitable drunken brawls doesn't appeal to me. But each to their own.

I say drunken brawls because over the years I have visited several villages and experienced many fights. They are fueled when the lads have a session on Thai whiskey. How anyone drinks that poison is beyond me.

600,000 will build you a modest house and if your only visiting for short periods maybe you'll enjoy. But be prepared to walk away from your investment when things go pear shaped.

Mate they've got to be the ugliest cars on the road. And the Actyons nose takes the cake. And those headlights, what were those designers smoking when they designed those butt ugly things. Whole thing looks like a blow up toy.

However I was surprised to notice the Korando it's almost passable. Looks bit like a Captiva.

To the poster who says all Korean cars are crap. Ten years ago I would have agreed. But now Koreans are making some excellent cars. Both Hyundai and Kia. Their designs have a more European look than most Japanese cars and their reliability has greatly improved. So I suggest you may have to eat humble pie in the very near future. But as always, each to their own.

Agree, money sounds about right. Find a good contractor and tie him down to a price. Maybe even offer a performance bonus if he finished on time and the work is good. Allow for a contingency as things will pop up as they build. It's also important you keep a VERY close eye on things. Unless you have a great lead contractor attention to detail and cutting corners is standard practice (same in any country I suspect).

If you are building anything out of the ordinary, like Western kitchen you must be very specific. Allow nothing for interpretation. Have fun.

2 years ago I built a house near Wang Suphung. It took a year and had my share of challenges, especially since it was a 50/50 Thai Western design. Some of my observations;

The best workers were the older guys. Noone turns up if it rains, or during rice season (planting and harvesting). If you see them having a whiskey after work there's a good chance they'll be out for a couple of days. Working hours don't mean much. Most is daily rate so they'll drag it out as long as possible. It can be hit and miss who turns up. I think this depends on who feels like working or not. The fact of whether they can do the job or not is irrelevant.

But it has to be mentioned that for the money I think they work hard and do a terrific job.

My Western Kitchen. I bought kit doors and drawers from Big Home and had the cabinets made. Alternatively HomePro of Index also have kit kitchens. Sinks taps and appliances I bought in Home Pro Udon Thani. Granite top I bought at small gravestone shop between Loei and Wang Suphung (not far from Concept). The stone place in Loei was VERY expensive.

Good luck and happy building

No comparison. Chang Mai is a mature tourist destination with plenty of attractions, things to do, cultural scene and a large population of expats.

Khon Kaen has very little if any foreign tourism, therefore limited things to do. It has a growing population of expats. Mainly those who have moved with the GF's from Bangkok or Pattaya (I know I'll get me head ripped off for saying this. But it's the truth).

I enjoy both, but for different reasons.

Member Crossy put together this site, translated from Thai;

http://www.crossy.co...ai_House_Plans/

Fantastic thanks for this. I'm about to build a small house for my wifes aging parents on some land she recently acquired. I want to keep it simple and Thai style. There's a couple of beauties on your list. Two years ago I designed and built my house in the North East near Loei. I wanted semi traditional Thai made of 100% wood. It was a nightmare finding plans. They were either 'too' Thai or cement. I eventually designed it myself and had an architect do the drawings.

So second time round you've saved me some time and no doubt frustration.

Thanks

Fortuna looks like another facelift to me. Toyota must be loving this. Selling basically the same old technology for nearly 10 years.

I've owned 2 Fortuners over the years and enjoyed them. But now they are really beginning to look dated and the interiors are years behind.

The Pajero is definitely a Fortuner rip off with a strange looking rear end (I think it's the glass), especially light colours. However I have heard it's dynamics and interior are more current.

MU7 is a workhorse which doesn't pretend to be fashionable. Big, sturdy, reliable but old hat.

Captiva, current model looks a little better. But I worry about quality of finishes, materials and resale. If that comes into the equation.

Ford is Ford and I don't know anything about them. Always worth a gander.

VW Tiguan would be great if you can afford.

Korea are raising the game and have some excellent new models. And of late their looks have improved dramatically. They've improved so much they now challenge Toyota for sales in the US.

I'm curious and would like to ask a question to those that have moved to Pattaya and now knock it for it's bars, nightlife and ladies. Why did you move here in the first place? I would guess that the majority originally came here for the same reason those tourists your dislike are here now. No doubt there'll be those righteous contributors who moved here for the pristine beaches, open spaces and clean, relaxed lifestyle..but I doubt it.

I still like Pattaya, warts and all. However I feel the biggest problem here and the rest of Thailand is drugs. It is in epidemic proportions, and with drugs, comes crime, violence and corruption.

Could this be the next Fortuner?

I've alway liked the Vigo and Fortuners. But don't you think Toyota have milked Thailand long enough with these models. Not only are they looking dated, their dynamics, interiors and overall specs are dated. The hard plastics and poor equipment levels are way below current standards.

The new Ford, Mazda and Colorado all seem to be good packages.

Yes, it's been smart business for Toyota, but it's time for the consumer to open their eyes and demand more. Once demand slides you'll see prices of Toyotas slide and there'll be deals a plenty. Then the model that should have been released years ago will become available.

Talked to Sale person of Toyota Bara rama 4...she said no news about minor change yet (as of motor show). Have placed order sportivo 3 with her but thinking about getting 3.04wd instead of white (not a big fan of white and want something simpler)

Mate no self respecting sales person is going to admit to model changes, even if they knew it. Clearing the backlog of existing models would be their number 1 priority.

Look at the trend elsewhere in the world. Large SUV's are plummeting in value. It's only a matter of time before it happens here. Also keep in mind that demand over the last 2 or 3 years most likely increased production. Hence the reason you see them everywhere.

I predict in 2 years, 2nd hand Foruners will be as cheap as chips. Especially if a brand new model comes out. Not to mention credible alternatives.

I am a fan of Fortuners I've owned 2. But I have to say that the look is beginning to get dated, especially the interior.

Unless your sight is near to perfect it's quiet difficult. Do what I did, have someone stand behind you whispering the colours.

Want a new puppy. Does anyone know where to buy in Udon or Khon Kaen? I live near Loei.

I lived in Jomtien for several months and used to regularly frequent the Fish and Chip shop you're referring. His food was very good but expensive and I never saw many people there. Service was fair but slow. It was always apparent the owner had had enough. And you're right, that's a very unusual Australian accent. He's Brit through and through.

Just took delivery of a Honda City, made in Thailand but $2,000 cheaper in Australia. Theoreticaly the move shoudlnt' effect the price. But supply and demand is the key. There was little room to move when I bought the honda. Nor was there a test vehicle available.

I also own a Fortuner which I consider the best in this market segment. In my opinion it is the best looker and it covers all bases well. However it is becoming dated and when you look at what's available in Europe and even Australia it's way behind.

For those of you who knock Fortuners and their drivers....get a life. Don't begrudge those who happen to be better off.

Update on my shopping....Central - There are 2 shops in central, both had a smattering of 3x shirts and all were rubbish, Central dept store - Pierre Cardin shirts out of the ark and 1900bht each. The largest shoes anywhere were 44.

I went back to good old Mikes and found some copy shirts, shorts and pants. They weren't really what I wanted, but what the hel_l.

I also found a pair of 45 sandles in one of those leather shoe shops. I'll just have to suffer some blisters hoping they stretch.

I always notice a lot of robust gentelmen whilst in Pattaya. I would think there could be a good business opportunity for someone. Something like Rochesters Big & Tall in the states.

"grumpy old man mode" hey, I resemble that remark !

You are absolutely right Simon, I think the only reason those five stars are building out there is the land must've been the cheapest on the island? The area is not nice and far from anything.

The Sheraton is going up on that Ao Makham with beautiful views of the LPG tankers and ocean water that is not nice, can't understand who advised them to build there or why they decided to go up there............

Sheraton (Starwood) like most of the big hotel companies are a managment company and own very few properties. They will pretty well manage anything if the numbers are right.

I also agree that this area is a shocker. Miles from anywhere decent. No doubt the marketing machine will put a positive twist on things. But once people arrive for their Phuket experience they will be disappointed. Glad I'm not the manager.

I can imagine in years gone by the area could have been up there with the best of them.

Any advice on where I can buy XXXL shirts, shorts & 46/47 shoes. I'm aware of Mikes and the copy Lacoste etc, but I was hoping to get something better quality. Perhaps Central??

When driving with my Thai wife it appears that asking people for directions isn't the done thing. I understand if a farang asks it's a language issue etc. But Thai on Thai baffles me.

Firstly she is very reluctant to ask and secondly when we do. 9 times out of ten the directions are crap or the people simply don't know. As we live in a relatively small town (Loei) I find it strange.

If in Australia and you asked someone, chances are you'd get a pretty detailed explanation.

Is it just my wife, people are shy or that Thai people know very little outside their small circle.

This is not a complaint, just a curiosity.

Took delivery of my new car 2 days ago and was surprised to be told I cannot drive past 6pm whilst on red plates. The dealer also said I can only drive within the province (Loei). However a friend told me later this was not true.

The apparent logic is because the car is new there maybe problems. How wierd is this? Meanwhile it's okay for the many death traps to roam the roads freely.

Can someone please clarify the regulations. Apparantly it takes between 30 & 45 days to get my "real" plates.

Have owned 2 fortuners and always been a fan. But I think it's just about had enough incarnations, and like the Yaris and Vios (both excellent) it's time to put them to bed and upgrade. Especially the dynamics.

Unlike a lot of European cars, e.g Golf and Porsche. Japanese cars need to refreshed more often.

Hard for the Fortuner since it's been a winner, and competitors don't seem to cut it. But for the price I think it's time for a change.

Some of you people are so anal and deter people asking questions. I can't see anything wrong with someone asking about happy hours?